Gadgad Sanghvi to Pahine

The stage begins in the village of Gadgad Sanghvi, 27 km from Nashik. Walk about 2 km north to the trailhead. If you are driving in, you can park a vehicle at the trailhead.

The trail climbs steeply through a long series of ancient rock-cut steps. It is easier to hike up this route than down — going up, you can use the four-point technique to keep constant contact with the rock. The steps end at the base of the big rock face of Gadgada fort. The temple here works as a rain shelter.

Monsoon alternative: a direct connection runs from the trailhead to the Gadgada–Aghera saddle, letting you skip the rock-cut steps entirely when they are wet.

From the Mandir, stick to the contour at the base of the rock face and move west toward the saddle between Gadgada and Aghera hill.

Flat and straightforward walking, with sections of tall grass. Post-monsoon, spear grass — Kusal in Marathi — works its way into shoes and socks across the Sahyadri. Gaiters won't help; your only defence is sticking to the centre of the trail.

Spring #1 lies midway between the Mandir and the pinnacle. Shepherds keep it alive with a small mud boundary; expect water until end of January. The plastic cup at the spring is not garbage — it is the sign the spring is active. Because this is the highest ground in the landscape, network connectivity along the plateau is good.

The rock pinnacle of Dangya is visible from far off and stays in view most of the day. The route circumnavigates it, climbs to the base, then drops north through a short, steep descent — trekking poles are very useful here. Dangya is a rope-skills climbing objective; the EST does not climb it. Beehives cling to its upper sections: no shouting, no perfume, no long rests at the base. Climbers should know the summit holds five people at most.

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A flat 3 km plateau walk to Sulichi Khind. At the saddle, look for an ancient tribal wayside shrine — a wooden tablet with fine carvings.

A mix of plateau and forest trail to the next saddle. Paanch Payare is Marathi for “five steps” — five rock-cut steps are carved into the pass. Another ancient tribal shrine stands here, marked with orange sindoor, shells, coins, and a peacock wing; locals use this crossing constantly. Spring #2 sits just before the khind, with its own cup — the Spring Protocol applies here too.

From Paanch Payare Khind, the route runs an out-and-back north onto the Anjaneri Plateau — 3 km to the small temple of Anjini Maata. Local belief holds this is the birthplace of Lord Hanuman; inside, the idol shows him in his mother's lap. Villagers hike up with flowers and garlands collected on the way.

A small dhaba beside the temple sells water and snacks. It accepts UPI, but you will need to walk to the plateau's western edge for signal — Jio works better. Forest rules prohibit staying or camping anywhere on this plateau. Return to Paanch Payare Khind. The out-and-back is worth it.

Take the southwest split going down — a steep descent where technique matters. The trail first keeps you in a gully, then contours at the base of the rock face, enters a bamboo canopy, and in no time touches the farmlands of Pahine village.